Hundreds of people stranded by Colorado floods

A flood-affected area of northern Colorado along the Big Thompson River. Credit: US Air National Guard

The death toll from historic flooding in eastern Colorado stands at four and will likely increase, authorities said, as rescuers struggled to reach hundreds of people stranded or displaced by fierce floodwaters.

At least four people are confirmed dead after six days of rain that flooded an area nearly the size of Devon and destroyed 1,500 homes, according to Colorado's Office of Emergency Management officials.